I’ve been told by winemaker Lars Jensen, that this is a favourite amongst the winery staff and that they’re having to fast track the next vintage because it’s all being consumed in house! That’s hardly surprising because it’s a lovely drop. Fresh nectarine and toasty, buttered crumpet flavours are dusted with cinnamon and dolloped with … Read More
Snapper Rock Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2016 $16 (3 stars)
If you’re looking for a peach-packed quaffer then you’ve come to the right place. Soft pineapple and a splash of caramel add character to the wine and a creamy layer in the middle of the mouth brings a buttery finish. Simple but seriously sippable. www.glengarrywines.co.nz
Waiana Estate Indian Summer Hawke’s Bay Rosé 2017 $19.99
Waiana is owned by the Plowman family who grow grapes on their property in the Tukituki Valley and this rose is named after their twin daughters India and Summer. Made using merlot and malbec grapes that are shepherded into the bottle by star winemaker Dave McKee, this is about as close to Provençale rosé as … Read More
Domaine de Pennautier Rosé 2016 $19.99
Don’t let the ultra-pale, barely-apricot hue fool you because this southern French star has flavour in spades. Soft stonefruit, chalky, delicacy on the nose leads to a snappy-dry, clean-as-a-whistle mid palate that rolls out fresh rockmelon and pepper. Flinty and fabulous. Sip with: pan seared gurnard topped with mint, melon and basil salsa. www.poshslosh.co.nz
Viento Aliseo Rosado 2015 $15.99
Organic, biodynamically crafted rosé or ‘rosado’ here from the folk at Dominio De Punctum in Spain’s La Mancha region. Made from 100% bobal grapes (the name derives from ‘bovale’ after the bull’s head shape of the bunches). Pale, ballet shoe pink and showing strawberry shortcake and pink peppercorn aromas, it’s got a saucy, slightly salty … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin Wine Column for week beginning Sat 28 Oct 2017
Crippled by tradition I could feel myself slipping. The grass was too slick, the angle of the bank too angular and my choice of footwear completely unsuitable. And no, I wasn’t teetering around in stiletto’s and an ill-behaved fascinator searching for a cross-country shortcut to the port-a-loos at the Labour Day races. I was, in … Read More
Yvonne Lorkin Canvas Column for Oct 28 2017
You think you’re Kaiser Sosé on the outside, but you’re actually Ruthie Rosé on the inside, am I right? Viento Aliseo Rosado 2015 $15.99 Organic, biodynamically crafted rosé or ‘rosado’ here from the folk at Dominio De Punctum in Spain’s La Mancha region. Made from 100% bobal grapes (the name derives from ‘bovale’ after the … Read More
Saint Clair Premium Marlborough Pinot Noir 2015 $23.99 (5 stars)
Punchy and perfumed with black tea, spice and ripe plummy notes, this is a slippery, succulent, super-easy, red fruited refresher. Fresh and youthful as opposed to those super-earthy, leathery, horsey, sweaty pinots that are out there. Bright, breezy and easy-pleasy. www.glengarrywines.co.nz
Forrest Marlborough Rosé 2017 $22 (5 stars)
Ever felt let down by rosé that lacks body and bounce? The fret no more because this little cracker from Marlborough pioneer’s Forrest Estate, has buckets of raspberry, strawberry and creaming soda characters and bright acidity make this a fruit fest of a rosé if ever there was one. www.forrest.co.nz
Saint Clair Premium Marlborough Chardonnay 2016 $14.95 (4 stars)
This is a real crowd-pleaser of a chardonnay that ticks all the boxes for tropical tastiness, toasty, nutty notes and some plucky peachy layers that’ll keep everyone happy. Softer-styled and supple acidity adds extra complexity to the mouthfeel. www.saintclair.co.nz